Trip

Villages & Vineyards of France

From the intimate, sweeping beauty and history of Paris through the gardens of Lyon, this journey with a private guide will tempt your palate and inspire your style. Explore countryside villages with cobblestone streets and quaint markets, and learn the art of wine making at its finest in the iconic vineyard regions of Burgundy and Provence. Walk the French Riviera in glamourous Cannes and explore the small country of Monaco. Your journey will finish in the relaxing city of Nice, allowing you to reflect on the natural beauty and intrigue found along the way.
Journey Pace: Active

Tour Details

DEPARTURE INFORMATION

Arrive Paris, France

Welcome to France! You are met upon arrival in Paris taken to your luxury hotel in the heart of the city.

The rest of the day is yours to spend at leisure.

Day 2

Paris

Your full day of city sightseeing includes the highlights of this historic and artitsic ‘City of Lights.’ View I.M. Pei’s Grand Louvre, an unsurpassed art museum, and national monument of France, the majestic Gothic Notre Dame Cathedral, and the iconic Eiffel Tower.

Travel along the famed Champs Élysée to see the Arc de Triomphe, proudly proclaiming its position as the center of Paris, and the infamous Bastille, symbol of French freedom and liberty. Visit the Concorde, the Eglise de St. Madeleine, the Opera and many more.

In the afternoon, explore the historic and enchanting Montmartre district with its white-domed Basilica of Sacre Coeur. Visit the Ile de la Cité, an island in the center of the Seine, and considered to hold the heart of Paris. (B)

Day 3

Paris to Beaune via Vezelay

This morning you will depart with your guide to Burgundy, which now competes with Bordeaux as France’s most prestigious vineyard and home to the varietal grapes that make Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. During the scenic drive you will stop in Vézelay, a charming perched village. Located on the sides of the hill, the beautiful medieval houses follow one another along the main street. You will explore the quaint village and enjoy a delectable lunch in town before continuing the drive to Beaune. Upon arrival, you will be taken to your luxurious hotel for an evening at leisure. (B)

Day 4

Beaune to Lyon via Burgundy Grand Cru Road

Begin today by exploring Beaune, an ancient and historic town on a plain by the hills of the Côte d’Or, with features of Roman, medieval and renaissance eras. Situated in the heart of prestigious vineyards, it is the epicenter of Burgundy’s wine trade. You will visit the Hôtel-Dieu, the Wine Museum and many wine shops. You will then continue the drive to Lyon, learning about the many villages along the way: Gevrey-Chambertin, Romanée-Conti, Nuits-Saint-Georges, Côte-de-Beaune, Puligny-Montrachet and Pommard. At Chateau Pommard, you will challenge your palette of this famous vineyard with a tour and tasting. Afterwards your driver will take you to Lyon and your luxury hotel. (B)

Day 5

Lyon Sightseeing

Today you will enjoy a walking tour of Le Vieux Lyon, one of the largest Renaissance areas in Europe. Many buildings in Vieux Lyon have been remodeled and renewed over the last few years with its old historic quarter was completely refurbished in the 1990s. Learn of the historical and cultural significance while walking through the beautiful, cobblestoned narrow streets and stops to watch the craftsmen at work. Discover the Cathedral and the famous Traboules, meant for passages through buildings, which are famous in Lyon and lead to magnificent gardens and courtyards. (B)

Day 6

Lyon to Aix en Provence via Avignon

Today, travel to Avignon, prestigious for its history, Avignon embraces one of the biggest middle-age gothic palaces in the world, the 14th century Palais des Papes where you will enjoy a visit. Walk around the promenade and discover the Rocher des Doms and its cathedral. In the afternoon, continue the drive to Aix en Provence where you will be taken to your luxury hotel. (B)

Day 7

Luberon & Alpilles Villages Excursion

Embark on a full day excursion with a visit to this Regional Natural Reserve since 1977. The area will charm you with its unique landscapes and its well preserved cultural heritage reflecting the authentic Provence. Drive around several magic villages in the Luberon, starting with the unique Chateau Lacoste winery in the middle of the Luberon, where you will enjoy a visit of the modern chai and taste the different types of rosé and red wine.

After a stop in Lourmarin you will continue to Roussillon as red as the surrounding ochre-coloured hills, and Gordes, standing on a cliff overlooking the Imergue and Calavon valleys. Your next stop will be in Saint Rémy de Provence, one of the most typical provençal villages and Nostradamus’ birth place. Here you will discover then Les Baux de Provence and its fortified castle. You will finish today in Arles to explore the Roman heritage and sites like the Amphitheater, St Trophime’s Church and the famous Alyscamp, one of the most prestigious necropolis in the West.(B)

Day 8

Aix en Provence to Nice via Cannes

Begin today by departing the wine region and traveling to the coastal city of Cannes, with its world-famous Boulevard de la Croisette, and one of the most glamorous resorts on the French Riviera. The red cliffs of Esterel rise steeply to the west, while the Lérins islands are located offshore. You will be enchanted by the old area of Le Suquet and by Cannes’ harbour. In the afternoon, you will continue to Nice for an evening at leisure after checking into your hotel.(B)

Day 9

Nice & Monaco Exploration

The Côte d’Azur, also known as “French Riviera” is full of contrasts from glamourous and sophisticated places, to perched villages and artistic workshop. This morning you will meet your guide for a tour of Nice with its flower market and beautiful coastline “la Promenade des Anglais”. The travel on a scenic road to Monaco and its famous harbour.

Continue to Menton, a city of gardens and a jewel in the South of France. The Medieval style buildings surround the Eglise St Michel and the Chapel de Pénitents Blancs, set at the top of the hill. Your day will finish in the typical French village of St Paul de Vence which has retained its medieval appearance for centuries. In the evening you will return to Nice.(B)

Day 10

Depart Nice

This morning you will be transferred to the Nice airport for your flight home or onto your next destination.(B)

Grand Hotel du Palais Royal, Paris

Situated between the Louvre and Opera, the Grand Hotel du Palais Royal is an essential Parisian address, a refined haven in the heart of Paris. It is also steps away from the Comedie Francaise theater, rue Saint-Honore, and the Tuileries Gardens. An ultra-refined neighborhood where architecture, culture, and gastronomy blend with the most exclusive boutiques. Pierre-Yves Rochon's decor, spa, restaurant, staff trained in the tradition of luxury French hotels, and the unique location in Paris make the Grand Hotel du Palais Royal the new address for Parisian chic.

L’Hôtel de Beaune, Beaune

L’Hôtel de Beaune is an exceptional, luxuriously restored 19th century house with its own courtyard. Set in the heart of Beaune with ten exclusive rooms, it offers the highest standard of comfort and service. L'Hôtel is renowned for its privacy and the personalized service it gives to guests. With its own individual charm and character, L'Hôtel is decorated and furnished with good taste. Come and relax in our lounge for breakfast, enjoy a drink, or maybe just watch TV on the plasma screen. The hotel offers 24-hour room service.

La Villa Florentine, Lyon

Once you open the door to this former 17th century convent, you will experience a unique world of hospitality. Nestled at the heart of a charming hillside district, the Villa Florentine takes guests on a fabulous voyage to discover the spirit and charm of Italian Renaissance - right in the center of Lyon. With an exceptional panoramic view over the city's rooftops, this Relais & Châteaux property boasts 28 cozy and comfortable rooms and suites, an abundance of delicacies in its gourmet restaurant, Les Terrasses de Lyon, as well as the ultimate tranquility of its pool, complete with magnificent view. When night falls, and when the 1001 city lights mingle with the twinkling stars, join us on a unique discovery tour of the delicious flavors of Italy.

Le Pigonnet, Aix-en-Provence

Le Pigonnet has an enviable reputation for five star service; our dedicated and friendly staff look forward to welcoming you and are always on hand for any services you may require, from organizing your excursions to information on various activities available in the area and the best places to shop (a must in Aix-en-Provence). The hotel’s unique charm will enchant you, and our aim is to ensure you have a truly memorable stay. Passion is the watchword of the whole hotel team, and you can discover peace in one of the most fascinating addresses in Provence.

Hotel La Perouse, Nice

At Hôtel La Pérouse, you are in an extraordinary place : it's an address you’ll jealously keep to yourself so that it won't become too well-known. Its setting is exceptional, both because of its architecture and its location in the heart of the city.You have access to the most beautiful private beach in Nice at the foot of the hotel.